“Stanchak Storytime” is the newest feature on “The Cheap Seats: Notebook.”
Every so often, I’ll take the time to write about an interesting first-hand story from my career.
Today’s story is about Melvin Nieves.
Nieves played part of seven seasons in the big leagues before inking with the Somerset Patriots in 2003. Sixty-three career major league home runs, once traded for Fred McGriff (granted, it was with two other players in a three-for-one deal) and brother of Washington Nationals’ catcher Wil Nieves. As a writer, it was enough to pique my interest.
Nieves had just wrapped up batting practice on a hot, sunny day in April when I asked him to chat. We walked near the Patriots’ on-deck circle at Commerce Bank Ballpark and began discussing his goals for the year. His answers were short and he wasn’t looking at me in the eyes very much.
I decided to delve into his career and brought up a game from September 18, 1996. In it, Nieves struck out twice. Those two “K’s” were part of 20 that Roger Clemens had on the evening. When I asked him if it was disappointing or just cool to be part of history, Nieves shot back quickly: “I only struck out once.”
“No, I’m pretty sure I saw the box score and it said twice,” I responded.
“Once.”
“Okay, well was it cool to be part of history or not,” I asked, standing by my initial question as my mind wondered if I was wrong.
After the interview, I thanked him, we shook hands and I headed up to the press box. I immediately went to my computer and logged online to find several box scores from the game. All of them showed Nieves struck out twice.
I never brought up the topic again with Nieves.
About two weeks later, I walked into the Patriots’ clubhouse. Nieves was sitting on one of the two couches in front of the TV. On the screen was ESPN Classic. The show: Roger Clemens’ 20-strikeout game from September 18, 1996.
I stayed just long enough to catch the second of Nieves’ two strikeouts in the game. He never saw me in there watching.
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